"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."

Summary: Jesus tells the Pharisees the story of a rich man and a poor man, Lazarus, who is covered with sores. The rich man did nothing to help Lazarus nor did he actively do anything to harm him, even though he was on the rich man’s doorstep. In fact, the rich man was indifferent to Lazarus, seeing him just as part of the landscape or an inanimate object. When they both died, Lazarus was with Abraham in heaven while the rich man was in torment. The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus down to him to give him some water, which was now impossible, as Lazarus could not cross the gulf between them. Abraham reminded him that in life he had good things while Lazarus had only difficulties that could have been alleviated by the rich man. The rich man pleads that Lazarus be sent to his family and warn them of the dangers of being indifferent to the plight of others. Abraham reminds him that they have the law and the prophets to direct them if only they would heed them.

Parish news and updates for the week

Parish news and updates for the week

Summary: Saint Luke’s Gospel shares three beautiful stories about the joy that God experiences when there is the return of someone lost. The first story is of the one lost sheep of the 99 that the Good Shepherd goes in search of. The second story portrays God as the woman who searched for the lost coin and once it is found wants everyone to rejoice with her. And the final story in this excerpt of Saint Luke’s gospel is of the Prodigal Son. In each instance the individual representing God is filled with compassion and is overjoyed at the return of that which was lost. Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3): Younger children are comforted by consistency. Teach them that, no matter what we do, God never stops loving us, and he rejoices when we return to him by asking for forgiveness. Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6): Children know that when they do something wrong, they face consequences. They are especially sensitive about letting down their parents or other authority figures that they respect and love. When children do something wrong, they wonder if these people will still love them. In the same way, we wonder whether God will still love us when we do something wrong. In these parables, Jesus teaches us that God not only forgives us, but also is actively seeking us out when we stray. Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8): Young people are exploring many new experiences in life in search of finding their place. As a result, they can often end up feeling lost. Jesus' parables in this Sunday's Gospel speak to the experience of being lost and then found.

Parish news and updates for the week

Parish news and updates for the week

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Parish news and updates for the week

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Parish news and updates for the week

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

Parish news and updates for the week

Parish news and updates for the week.

In the gospel we encounter a home visit by Jesus to the house of Martha and Mary. In this story we see that Martha is doing all the acts of hospitality by herself, and is concerned that Mary is not assisting her. Although hospitality is a key component of living the Christian life, it must not overshadow learning and spending time with the Lord. It is of long tradition that Martha and Mary reflect the two components of living the Christian life. Martha represents the active, while Mary reflects the contemplative. We are called to seek a balance in living the Christian life.

by Kathleen Cook | Jul 14, 2019 | Catechetical Corner In answer to the question Who is my neighbor? Jesus responds with one of the most well known stories in the New Testament: the parable of the Good Samaritan. This story illustrates the virtue of mercy as we see that no barriers of race, social standing, or wealth can block the love, mercy, compassion, and care that we owe to our neighbor. The message is clear: every human being is our neighbor! We are called to be actors of God’s mercy despite the social pressures we might experience.

by Kathleen Cook | Jul 14 2019 | Catechetical Corner In answer to the question Who is my neighbor? Jesus responds with one of the most well known stories in the New Testament: the parable of the Good Samaritan. This story illustrates the virtue of mercy as we see that no barriers of race, social standing, or wealth can block the love, mercy, compassion, and care that we owe to our neighbor. The message is clear: every human being is our neighbor! We are called to be actors of God’s mercy despite the social pressures we might experience.

July 07, 2019 by Ms Kathleen Cook Joy is the operative word in the Gospel selected for today. This joy is the fruit of a job well done, announcing to those who chose not to hear the Good News that God’s Kingdom is near. The missioning of the 72 is steeped in joy, for Jesus sent them out to announce great news and alerts them to the abundant harvest to be gathered. The Lord sent them out and gives them warning, but also assures them that they will be successful, and indeed they are for when they return they are rejoicing over all that they were able to accomplish in the name of Jesus. This commission is also ours and we will also be able to rejoice in the same success that is rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ.

by Kathleen Cook | Jun 7, 2019 | Catechetical Corner